By James Crook

June 13 - The under-construction aquatics centre for the 2015 Summer Universiade in Gwangju will focus on "highly efficient, low cost, eco-friendly structure", delivering world-class facilities with the environment in mind, South Korean officials have claimed.

The venue will be powered by solar and geothermal energy throughout the Games and when it is open to the public after the Universiade, in-keeping with the Gwangju 2015 vision of "eco-friendliness".

The design represents the sun rising over Mount Mudeung and the shape of water droplets, and is facing the south in order to save energy.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the facility took place in mid-April this year and is due for completion in March 2015, four months before the Universiade gets underway in the South Korean city, following an inspection from the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

The total size of the venue will be 19,398 m², including 4 floors with a 10-lane race pool a diving pool and a practice pool, and will be used as the main stadium for the Gwangju 2015 swimming competitions.

The pool will incorporate modular construction techniques, which will allow the flexibility to make necessary changes to the building without altering the whole structure.

Modular design is an approach that subdivides a system into smaller parts that can be independently created and then used in different systems to drive multiple functionalities, which will be utilised should Gwangju be selected to host the 2019 FINA World Swimming Championships.

After the Universiade, the indoor area will be open to the public, with cooperation from the University, and provide a space for health, culture, and leisure for all.

The surrounding areas of the pool will create an eco-friendly environment with a pond and a large multi-purpose grass field, which can be used for various events.

The newly constructed swimming pool will not only provide a venue for the Universiade, but will also serve as a local training facility for professional athletes, reducing the costs of training abroad, and helping to nurture talented athletes of the future.

Gwangju will only construct three new venues for the Universiade; the aquatics centre, a gymnasium and an archery range, whilst the rest will be renovated.

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